Shloka 4.3.22

हनूमत्संवादः / Hanuman’s Diplomatic Approach to Rama and Lakshmana

Devanagari script

युवाभ्यां सह धर्मात्मा सुग्रीवस्सख्यमिच्छति।तस्य मां सचिवं वित्तं वानरं पवनात्मजम्।।भिक्षुरूपप्रतिच्छन्नं सुग्रीवप्रियकाम्यया।ऋष्यमूकादिह प्राप्तं कामगं कामरूपिणम्।।

Transliteration

yuvābhyāṃ saha dharmātmā sugrīvaḥ sakhyam icchati |

tasya māṃ sacivaṃ vittaṃ vānaraṃ pavanātmajam ||

bhikṣurūpapraticchannaṃ sugrīvapriyakāmyayā |

ṛṣyamūkād iha prāptaṃ kāmagaṃ kāmarūpiṇam ||

Translation

That righteous Sugrīva seeks friendship with you both. Know me as his minister—Hanumān, a monkey, the son of the Wind-god. For Sugrīva’s welfare I have come here from Ṛṣyamūka, concealed in a mendicant’s guise—able to go as I wish and to assume forms at will.

Context

'The righteous Sugriva wishes to make friendship with both of you. For his well-being I came here disguised as a mendicant from Rishyamuka mountain. I am a monkey, son of the Wind-god and minister to Sugriva. I can assume any form at my free will and go anywhere I like'.

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• Sugrīva
• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Pavana/Māruta (Wind-god)
• Ṛṣyamūka (mountain)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Dharma is advanced through righteous friendship (sakhya) and truthful diplomacy: alliances should be formed for mutual upholding of justice, not for selfish gain.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān conveys Sugrīva’s desire for friendship and explains his own identity, origin (Ṛṣyamūka), and abilities.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Devotion and skillful mediation—Hanumān acts as a capable minister who seeks his king’s welfare through peaceful negotiation.